Local high school students filling ranks for expanded military

Sunday

May 7, 2017 at 7:00 AMMay 9, 2017 at 11:00 AM

By Christian Yapor Daily News Staff

There is no easy way to carry a 30-pound, olive green, military ammo can during a six-mile run, but for Milford High School student Justine Trautwein, that's the least of her worries. Next month she is going to Marine Corps basic training.

"I was 17 when I enlisted," Trautwein, 18, said about the day she approached the Marine Corps information stand during lunch when she was a junior in high school. Now Trautwein helps lead the other recruits during the intense training.

For students like Trautwein, this life-changing decision comes at a time of continued threats against the United States from terrorist groups such as ISIS and rising tensions with North Korea. Her decision and that of her fellow recruits also comes as President Donald Trump calls for an increase in the size and scope of the military.

In fact, the goal for the Army in 2017 is to bring in 68,000 new soldiers compared to 62,000 in 2016. Recruiters are now under the pressure of filling more boots on the ground and uniforms in service, a mission they acknowledge has seen success.

Despite the global security situation, the decision by recruits to enlist remains steady, and they were undeterred by possible deployment to combat.

"I will most likely be directly involved with the actual fighting you see on the news," said Daniel Murray, 19, of Hopkinton, who enlisted in the Marine Corps. "It's a difficult yet important role."

"I love my country, so whatever they want me to do, I will do it," said Trautwein, who will start Marine Corps basic training on June 5.

Their trainers say that commitment begins before they even wear the uniform.

"You make a life-changing decision, and it starts right away, not when you are in boot camp," said Sgt. Antonio Mendoza, recruiter for the U.S. Marines.

According to Lt. Col. Myles B. Caggins III of the U.S. Army, 1,909 people from Massachusetts enlisted in the military in fiscal year 2016. This year, recruiting goals have been set higher.

Cpt. Alex Sinclair, recruiter for the U.S. Army, said so far this fiscal year he has 137 active duty recruits, and 63 people in the Army reserves. Their goal for this fiscal year is to reach 224 active duty recruits and 152 people in the Army reserves. To reach that goal recruiters know there is not one specific kind of candidate to join the military, which includes the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.

"Some people look at this as a last resort," said Sinclair. "But it is always an option if it fits your lifestyle."

Sinclair said from his perspective, joining the Army opens up many doors for young adults who are unable to afford college on their own. Plus, he said, military training is great to have on a resume.

Most high schools in MetroWest and the Milford area allow military recruiters to visit during lunch periods or job fairs. At high school graduations, many school districts make a point of recognizing those who will enter the military.

Apart from enlisting and going into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), where most recruits do pre-training before going to basic training, there are other options for starting a military career. Some young adults choose to enter the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which is a college-based officer training program for training commissioned officers. During that training they are a part-time soldier, attend a four-year college for free with the commitment of six years as a full time soldier. Another option is to enter a four-year military academy for college. To enter the military academy, applicants in Massachusetts need a letter of recommendation from either Sen. Elizabeth Warren or Sen. Ed Markey.

Recruits come to their decision to join at different times in their lives.

"When I was a sophomore, I knew I wanted to serve," said Leeann Sinko, 18, of Millville, who will start Army basic training on June 26. "I knew I wanted to do something important, and make something great of myself."

Sinko is not only the first person in her family to enlist in active duty, she is the only person at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School going into the military after high school graduation.

"I am most excited to experience traveling and meeting new people, because I live in such a small town," said Sinko.

When she trains with her fellow future soldiers in the Army, she says she feels a bond with these new friends outside of her small town.

"I joined to protect and serve, so if that is what I have to do, then that is what I will do," said Sinko, who plans to become a fire support specialist. This includes providing coordinates for air strikes.

All the active-duty recruits interviewed said they are not worried about national conflicts in Syria, North Korea, possibly Russia, and the ongoing missions in Afghanistan.

Although there were mixed emotions on the part of some family members, the recruits said.

"My mom is very supportive, and my dad was a little nervous at first, but I think they are proud of me," said Trautwein.

While Sinko knew early on she wanted to join the military, Murray, of Hopkinton, took a while to get there. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after taking a year off after high school. Murray decided to join the military in hopes of finding some direction and discipline for his future.

"I thought the Marines would be the best place for me to become the best version of myself," said Murray, who leaves for basic training in October.

Telling his parents was not easy.

"They wanted to make sure this was something I was going to stick to," said Murray. "I wanted to...have something to look back at that I can be proud of."

With the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in 2011, which prevented gays, bisexuals and lesbians from enlisting in the military, and the policy that excluded transgender people from joining in the military, repealed last year, the military now accepts a wider range of people so long as they meet the strict health and fitness standards, graduate high school and don't have a criminal record.

"It's an equal opportunity for everybody," said Sgt. Samuel Hays, recruiter for the Air Force. "It is great because there are no more barriers for them, and we are definitely seeing more interested individuals from (the LGBT) community."

Not knowing what to expect can be a bit nerve-wracking for some. Jack Ernst, 18, of Mendon, graduated from Air Force basic training last November. He credited camaraderie with surviving the drill sergeants screaming, rushed meals, intense physical training, and not being able to contact his family.

"You get close with people because you do it together," said Ernst. "I still have contact with my friends from Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas."

Ernst said the reason he joined was because he wanted to become a state trooper in Massachusetts. He said his next step is to go to the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to continue his training.

Christian Yapor can be reached at 508-634-7521, or at cyapor@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChristianYapor.